Balsam of Peru, essential oil (Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae) – HBV HE

Peruvian Balsam – Full Description & Information

Origin & History. Coming from a large tree in Central America (mainly Salvador), balsam is a fragrant resin harvested by incision. Steam distilled, it produces an essential oil with a balsamic-vanilla signature, used for centuries in “oriental” and amber perfumery.

Botany & Raw Material. Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae (Leguminosae/Fabaceae). The raw material is the purified and then distilled balsam (resinous exudate) (essential oil) — to be distinguished from the absolute or raw balsam.

Olfactory profile & creative use. Balsamic, vanilla, sweet-spice, honeyed, with benzoate/cinnamate facets. Excellent base “cushion”: rounds out the flowers (ylang, jasmine), spices (cinnamon, clove), woods (cedar) and distilled citrus (sweet orange).

Technical information & usage verification

• Botanical name: Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae (syn. Myroxylon pereirae )
• Part used: balsam/exudate (gum resin)
• Extraction method: steam distillation (distilled essential oil)
• INCI (English): Myroxylon Balsamum Pereirae Balsam Oil (also referenced as Myroxylon pereirae (Balsam Peru) Oil )
• CAS (oil/absolute/anhydrol): 8007-00-9
• Usual origin: El Salvador (ex. Central America)
• Olfactory profile: balsamic, vanilla-amber, sweet-spice, honeyed
• Use categories: Cosmetics & home fragrances — non-food
• Usage verification:
  • Food: no (not intended for ingestion).
  • Cosmetic: yes (professional use) — comply with IFRA/allergen restrictions and test on support.
  • Diffusion: yes — gentle, short diffusion, in ventilated rooms.
• Customs code (SH/HS): 3301.29.90 (essential oils, other)

Precautions & Compliance

Highly sensitizing product in some individuals (benzyl/cinnamic components). Always dilute, avoid pure application, respect IFRA limitations according to the final product category. For professional use only. Not recommended for pregnancy/breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Keep tightly closed, away from heat and light.

Destinations & types of use

Crafts: candles, room sprays/mists, scented papers/ceramics, clay pebbles.
Industry: amber/oriental perfumed bases, perfumed care (rinse-off), perfumed detergents.
Non-medical well-being: scented atmospheres (without health claims).

Agreements & examples (to be tested and validated)

100g candle — fragrance load 2–5%: Peruvian Balsam 0.2–0.6g + Vanilla 0.4–0.8g + Cedar 0.2–0.4g (48h cure).
Spray 100 ml — Total EO 0.8–1.5%: Peruvian Balsam 0.1–0.3% + Dist. Orange 0.3–0.6% + Benzoin 0.2–0.4% (maturation 24–48 h).
Soap 1 kg — EO 0.5–1.0%: Peruvian Balsam 0.1–0.2% + Ylang 0.1–0.2% + Orange dist. 0.2–0.4%.

Formulation tips

Start low (easy dominance). Pair with distilled citrus to lighten, or woods/balms to enhance the amber effect. Monitor stability/color and adhesion to the medium (candle/soap/spray).

Documentation (professionals)

MSDS, COA, TDS, IFRA/allergen declaration (if applicable), various certificates — provided upon request.

Liability clauses

Information is for guidance only, with no guarantee of completeness. It does not replace your regulatory obligations or your final support suitability tests. HBV Huiles et Beurres Végétaux, Aroma Centre and Labos-PBE decline all responsibility in the event of non-compliant use or for food purposes. Product intended for professional use (cosmetics & atmosphere).

Useful links (internal)

• Aroma Center FAQ
• Aroma Center Blog
• Aroma Center Blogger

External links (institutions & standards)

• IFRA — Standards
• ECHA — Substance information
• European Union — Cosmetics Framework